Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
20 Best Hanukkah Desserts for Eight Nights of Sweetness
Don't forget the babka and sufganiyot!
Everyone celebrates Hanukkah differently, but there's one thing we can all pretty much agree on: food! Not necessarily the type of dishes served, but the importance of food. The community is just as diverse as the traditions and there is way more to the holiday than sizzling, crispy latkes dipped in applesauce! (It doesn't matter if you're Ashkenazi, Sephardic, or Mizrahi, the best Hanukkah recipes tend to be fried. 😂) After scarfing down a few potato pancakes or kubbeh, along with some healthy vegetable sides, end the festival of light celebration with a few tasty Hanukkah desserts! Trust us, there are plenty of Hanukkah dessert recipes to go around.
Here, you'll find an assortment of fried sweets (like jelly doughnuts and overnight beignets) and Hanukkah sugar cookies in festive shapes and colors. We've also included seasonal winter desserts, apple desserts, and classic cookies that everyone will love. If your family likes to keep things traditional during the holidays, try your hand at baking one of the many classic Jewish recipes, like rugelach (a pastry-like cookie filled with spices, nuts, and raisins) or babka (an irresistible yeast bread with swirls of rich chocolate). On the other hand, you can switch things up this year with creative new desserts, like the Oreo truffles that double as an edible homemade food gift. Wrap them up in gift bags with blue and white ribbon and you'll have your Hanukkah gifts and dessert all in one! Can't decide which recipe to choose? Don't worry, you have eight nights to try them all!
Caramel Apple Cookies
Why do apples and caramel go so well together? Who knows! What matters is these chewy, fruity, and buttery cookies are an instant hit.
Get the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe.
Sticky Buns
Many Ashkenazi Jewish people will tell you they grew up with cinnamon rolls—sticky buns are essentially cinnamon rolls' chewy cousin! The mix of cinnamon, nuts, and the sweet dough is an absolute delight.
Get the Sticky Buns recipe.
Apple Cobbler
You’re going to have a lot to cook if you’re hosting a Hanukkah party or gathering. Simplify dessert with a simple and warm one-baking dish dessert! Apple cobbler is an instant classic.
Get the Apple Cobbler recipe.
Nutella cookies
Need a quick and easy dessert the kids can help make? Nutella cookies call for just five ingredients, and they’re so gooey and chocolatey.
Get the Nutella cookies recipe.
Blondies
Whoever named these just knew that blondes have more fun! These dessert bars have it all: Caramel-y sweet brown sugar, creamy butter, zippy butterscotch, earthy pecans, and decadent white chocolate chips.
Get the Blondies recipe.
Rugelach
These traditional cookies are often filled with cinnamon, nuts, and raisins, but if you want to switch things up, try fruit preserves, Nutella, or mini chocolate chips.
Get the Rugelach recipe.
Apple Fritters
These fried nuggets of dough are just as tasty as doughnuts but even easier to make. Plus, they're stuffed with chunks of apples and covered in powdered sugar—is there anything better?
Get Ree's Apple Fritters recipe.
Oreo Truffles
Sprinkle this easy no-bake dessert with white and blue sprinkles for a fun twist on holiday candy. You can even individually wrap them as an addition to someone's food gift basket.
Get Ree's Oreo Truffles recipe.
Apple Cake
This rustic apple cake is so tender thanks to the addition of apple butter. It also gives the cake a hint of sweetness and plenty of warm seasonal spices.
Get the Apple Cake recipe.
Overnight Beignets
The only thing better than these pillows of fried dough is the pile of powdered sugar on top! It's a fun twist on classic doughnuts.
Get the Overnight Beignets recipe.
Chocolate Babka
Try your hand at this popular Jewish sweet bread. It has irresistible swirls of chocolate layered throughout that makes it hard to eat just one slice.
Get the Chocolate Babka recipe.
Almond-Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
A simple almond cookie is the perfect last bite after a Hanukkah celebration. This one even has a touch of extra sweetness thanks to the raspberry jam.
Get Ree's Almond-Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
Applesauce Cake
Since latkes are usually served with applesauce, you'll likely have some on hand to make this simple apple-infused cake. It's delicious on its own, but to give it a celebratory feel, we top it with a creamy brown butter maple frosting.
Get the Applesauce Cake recipe.
Black and White Cookies
If you've ever been to New York City, you've likely seen this classic bakery cookie. It has a cake-like texture and a luscious two-toned frosting that's perfect for anyone who can't decide between vanilla and chocolate.
Get the Black and White Cookies recipe.
Apple Strudel
Phyllo dough gives this apple dessert its flaky texture. You can find it in the freezer section of the grocery store.
Get the Apple Strudel recipe.
Jelly Doughnuts (Sufganiyot)
These soft yeasted doughnuts will be the highlight of the holiday season. The traditional kind is filled with jam, but you can also try Nutella, caramel, or lemon curd for a new twist.
Hanukkah Sugar Cookies
To make these festive sugar cookies, look for cute Hanukkah cookie cutters in the shape of stars, dreidels, and menorahs. Then, decorate with frosting and sprinkles to your heart's content!
Get the Hanukkah Sugar Cookies recipe at What Jew Wanna Eat.
Flourless Olive Oil Chocolate Cake
Instead of a fried dessert, try a cake that features oil in a new way—like this chocolate olive oil cake. The oil adds a rich, savory element that helps balance out the sweetness of the cake.
Get the Flourless Olive Oil Chocolate Cake recipe at Butternut Bakery.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Stars
Get the kids involved in making this fun Hanukkah treat—they'll love dipping the pretzels in chocolate and decorating with blue and white sprinkles.
Get the Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Stars recipe at Eating by Elaine.
Cinnamon-Sugar Biscuit Doughnuts
If making your own doughnuts sounds like a daunting task, try this shortcut version instead! It's made with just three ingredients including store-bought biscuit dough.
Get the Cinnamon-Sugar Biscuit Doughnuts recipe at Brown Sugar Mamma.
Pumpkin Spice Cake Is Heaven by the Slice
Nutella Krispie Treats Are the Sweetest Snack
Saddle Up for a Batch of Loaded Cowboy Cookies
Dr Pepper Brownies Are the Yummiest TikTok Trend